The Sardinian Cavalcade of Sassari

Every year in Sassari there is held - on the penultimate Sunday in May - a traditional event very dear to its inhabitants, the "Cavalcata Sarda." This is a parade in which the participants wear traditional Sardinian clothing and whose origins date back to 1899, when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy arrived in the city. The procession is impressive because 65 groups from 65 different municipalities participate, not only from the province of Sassari, but also from Nuoro, Cagliari and Oristano. Each year there are more than 3,000 participants who invade the streets of Sassari with sounds, colors and dances. It is an extraordinary spectacle that also sees the presence of horsemen who offer typical Sardinian products - sweets and bread - to the festive public. The celebration continues with the "Pariglie," equestrian shows held at the city's hippodrome, where riders perform incredible acrobatics. This is followed by the "Review of traditional songs and dances," where launeddas - tenor songs accompanied by the sound of the accordion and accordion - can be enjoyed.